How bad are 94-98 Auto's, really?

[Chris Taylor]

I've got a '97 Super Duty that needs a clutch, been keeping an eye on trucks for about a month looking for another deal as good as this one... now I'm looking a little more hurriedly, but the only thing I can find cheap is Automatics. So... how bad are these autos, really?

My understanding from a couple drivers is that if you just treat them right they'll last forever... it's when you start trying to peel out with 15,000 pounds behind it, or not back off to let it shift that you start tearing stuff up. Is that about the long and skinny of it, or are they really that brittle?

And, what about the 99-02 Autos? Are they the same or different/worse/better?

TIA!

[OregonStroker]

99-02 is better, has a carrier. They are weak stock. you have to spend around 4k to get a trans and converter that will handle a beating day to day. look to drop around 1200-1800 on a billet tripple disk tq converter, then youve got valve body, shift kit, clutch packs, pump, carriers, and input/intermediate shafts. just depends on how deep your pocket is man. If I were you- get a 5 speed out of a wrecking yard and a south bend clutch.... wayyyy cheaper. Not to mention if your truck came stock with a manual- the PCM isnt going to support the auto. wont have the brains to control it all. good luck.

[Chris Taylor]

Sorry... talking about buying another truck to use while I get the clutch sorted out on this thing. I like the 5 speed just fine, but there's not many manual trucks for sale in my area. I figure if I can find a cheap auto to use while I'm fixing the clutch in the first truck I can hang onto the auto for a while and maybe get my money back out of it.